Centrelink’s $1,000 payment – Who Qualifies and What to Do Next?

On: Monday, April 21, 2025 7:04 AM

There is a lot of commotion in Australia these days about the $1,000 payment from Centrelink. Some people are happy with this news, while others are confused and scared. Various types of rumours are spreading on social media – some are saying it is a scam, while others are saying that everyone will get money. In such a situation, it is very important to understand what exactly is the $1,000 payment from Centrelink, who will get it, how will it be received and most importantly – how can you avoid fraud.

In this easy and detailed Hindi guide, we will tell you:

What exactly is the $1,000 payment from Centrelink?
Who is eligible for it?
How to apply?
What scams should be avoided?
What to do if you are in trouble?

Let’s start one by one.

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🔍 What exactly is the $1,000 payment from Centrelink?

There is a lot of confusion about Centrelink’s $1,000 payment. But actually these payments are given under three different schemes:

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP)
Centrelink Advance Payment
Centrelink Hardship Boost or Crisis Payment

All of these have the same purpose – to provide immediate and temporary relief to Australian citizens stranded in trouble, so that they can get back on their feet.

Now let’s understand each payment in detail.

1. Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP)

This payment is for those who have been seriously affected by a natural disaster such as flood, fire, storm etc.

Who can apply?

You must be an Australian citizen or a valid visa holder.
You must be living or present in an area that the government has declared a “disaster area”.
You or your family have suffered serious injury, loss of life or property or major damage to the home.

How much amount do you get?

$1,000 per adult
$400 per child (under 16)

How to apply?

Online from myGov account
Calling 180 22 66
Visiting your nearest Centrelink office

Example: Following recent floods in Townsville and the Cassowary Coast in Queensland, these areas were declared “disaster affected”. Residents there are eligible for the AGDRP.

2. Centrelink Advance Payment

This payment is intended to help people who are already receiving a Centrelink scheme such as JobSeeker, Pension or Parenting Payment and have an urgent expense that comes up unexpectedly.

Eligibility:

You must be on a Centrelink payment that has been paid for at least 3 months.

How much money can you get?

Maximum $1,634.85 for Age Pension holders
Around $500 for JobSeeker recipients

This payment is not a bonus. It’s paid in advance of your upcoming payments and will be recovered by deducting a small amount from your weekly payment.

How to apply?

Online through myGov
Calling Centrelink

Tip: Make sure you budget before you receive this payment. Remember, this money will be refunded.

3. Centrelink Hardship Boost or Crisis Payment

If you’ve suddenly found yourself in serious financial difficulty, this one-off support payment could be for you. It’s for circumstances that aren’t normal and that have affected you immediately.

Such as:

Fleeing domestic violence
Experienced a natural disaster
Recently released from prison
Recently arrived in Australia as a refugee

Amount: $1,000 tax-free emergency assistance

Eligibility:

You must be on or have applied for a Centrelink payment
Must apply within 7 days of the incident
In some cases, documents (such as a police report, letter from a support agency) may also be required

How to apply?

Online through myGov
Call 180 22 66
Visit a Centrelink office

Example: If a woman is living in a shelter after fleeing domestic violence and has children and is struggling to pay for basic necessities, she may be eligible for this payment.

💡 How to avoid scams?

Scammers have become very active in the name of Centrelink. Fake offers are being sent through social media and SMS. For example:
“Get $1,800 Centrelink bonus – click the link now.”

Keep these things in mind:

Centrelink or the government will never ask you for payment information over SMS or social media.
The official website always ends with “.gov.au”.
Check the site before clicking on any link.
If someone asks for information like bank details, myGov password, be alert immediately.
Report any such scam on Scamwatch.

Make sure to tell your family and elders about this too.

✅ How to get $1,000 payment the right way?

If you think you are eligible for this assistance, don’t panic. The whole process is easy if you have the right information.

Step-by-step process:

Check eligibility: Visit the Services Australia website to find out which payment you are eligible for.
Gather the required documents:
- Photo ID
- Proof of address
- Police or medical report if required
- Proof of disaster (photos, reports, etc.)
Login to myGov or create a new account:
- Add if not linked to Centrelink
Start the application and fill out the form carefully
Choose payment:
- AGDRP
- Advance Payment
- Crisis Payment
Submit your details:
- Upload documents
- Press the submit button
Wait for confirmation:
- Usually processed within 3 to 10 days
- Updates in myGov inbox or SMS/Email

📌 Some important FAQs

Q1. Can I receive more than one payment?
Yes, but only for one incident These two payments will not be available. For example, if you took an Advance Payment and after a few weeks your crisis worsens, then you can apply for Crisis Payment.

Q2. What if I don’t have a myGov account?
You can call 180 22 66 or visit your nearest Centrelink office. The staff there will guide you through the process.

Q3. Is this $1,000 payment taxable?
No. Disaster and Hardship Payments are tax-free. Advance Payment is not taxable but it is not a bonus, it is just your money in advance.

Q4. What if I make a mistake while filling the form?
You can make a correction by going to myGov or call Centrelink and get it corrected.

Q5. What if I am unable to apply for Crisis Payment within 7 days?
The time limit may be extended in some cases. Apply as soon as possible and explain the reason.

Q6. What if my application is rejected?
You can appeal for a review through Services Australia. You can also contact the Commonwealth Ombudsman if necessary.

🎯 Conclusion:

Centrelink’s $1,000 payment isn’t just news, it could be a lifesaver for many families. If you’re going through a tough time – whether it’s floods, domestic violence, unemployment or a medical emergency – the government has got help for you.